House Committee Wants Radio Free Afghanistan - 2001-11-02

The U-S House International Relations Committee has approved legislation that would create a "Radio Free Afghanistan" to broadcast news and explain U-S war objectives to Afghans in their native languages.

The measure authorizes more than 10-million dollars for transmissions into Afghanistan under the auspices of the Radio Free Europe - Radio Liberty service.

The proposal still needs approval in the House and Senate.

The bill's sponsor, California Republican Ed Royce, says he thinks "Radio Free Afghanistan" offers the best chance for the United States to provide information that will turn the Afghan people against Taleban authorities.

The Voice of America has expanded radio broadcasts into Afghanistan in recent weeks but some U-S lawmakers and conservative commentators have been critical of its work, saying it does not advocate the U-S government position forcefully enough.

In the spirit of its founding charter, the Voice of America pursues strict standards of objectivity.